Costly total estimated for Cary Parkway repairs

The estimate to fix a portion of Cary Parkway is higher than originally estimated. Now, DOT officials say the project will cost $480,000.

Construction will start Thursday on some of the already closed westbound lanes. Beginning Monday, eastbound lanes will be off limits as well.

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but the work could switch to 24 hours a day to keep within the targeted opening date of April 15.

Cary residents who live along the parkway are bracing for noise construction and the continued annoyance of road closures.

"We have to do this big loop around. So some things, some errands are really a pain in the neck," Cary resident Philip Hrem said.

Police said 17-year-old Tristan Zammit admitted to starting the fire. Zammit was charged with misdemeanor intentional setting fire to grass, brush lands, or woodlands - punishable by up to 60 days in jail and $1,000 fine if convicted.

His parents said, "Our family deeply regrets this event and the impact it has had on our community."

Police said the apologetic teen will have to pay for at least some of the construction work.

"He did show remorse," said Cary police Captain Don Hamilton. "We have worked with DOT to work out and make sure that restitution is a part of the court proceedings."